PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Lenna is a grand and imposing, heritage-listed mansion in the heart of Battery Point, Hobart’s most delightful historic suburb. Built by a shipping and whaling magnate in the late 1800s, it is now an elegant hotel with much of its old-world charm still evident in colonial fittings and furnishings – a style that carries through to Alexander’s with chandeliers, muted colours, mirrors, and quality napery and tableware. Without being stuffy and imposing, it has a feel about it that makes you want to dress up a bit, to slip on your best jacket, polish your nails and prepare for a rather special meal.
And chef Mark Goodluck’s food is rather special, drawing as it does on the season’s and Tasmania’s finest produce and Goodluck’s deft hand with a wide range of techniques, styles and flavourings. He presents a separate and complete vegetarian, low-salt menu with a number of gluten- and lactose-free options. Somewhat disconcertingly for the rest of us, he titles this his “healthy choice” menu while his more extensive “unhealthy” menu runs from Asian-style soft-shell crab and local octopus in Kashmiri butter with fried, spiced shrimp and pineapple, to a trio of venison (which includes an unusual venison and abalone pie) and simpler dishes like milk-roasted spatchcock and roasted veal with white anchovies – all modern, multicultural and stylishly done.
LOCATION
Battery Point is a short walk from Hobart CBD.
DETAILS
Nestled within the stately colonial mansion Lenna, the highly awarded Alexanders began as a fine dining restaurant some three decades ago serving high quality Australian produce with a classic French influence. Choose from the extensive a la carte or healthy choice menus, or for the complete dining experience there is a special taste menu available to diners in the private James Bayley room. Wines from all the major producing areas of Tasmania can be found in the wine cellars. Also featured are some very fine cellar reserve wines of the past decade, as well as a selection of imported still and sparkling wines to compliment your food.
The fifty seat restaurant was recently refurbished by interior designer, Rebecca Kirkland, and offers a secluded and intimate space perfect for that romantic dinner or special occasion.
FUNCTIONS
The versatility of the restaurant provides the ideal location to host business evenings and corporate or social dinners. Choose from the James Bayley room located adjacent to Alexanders; or the Harriet, McGregor and Runnymede rooms that provide a welcome contrast to larger venues. Cocktail parties from 10 to 200 people can be arranged, with Lenna’s extensive gardens and available for larger gatherings.
Classified by the National Trust and Heritage listed, Lenna also provides a magnificent venue for stylish and sophisticated wedding receptions in the historic heart of Battery Point and Salamanca Place. For wedding packages including accommodation, please refer to the Alexander's website.
